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Increasing Tobacco Use Cessation: Internet-Based Interventions

Internet-based cessation interventions use websites to provide evidence-based information, strategies, and behavioral support to motivate and assist tobacco users interested in quitting. Content may be developed or adapted for specific populations and communities. Content also may be tailored for individuals based on computer algorithms that match services and advice to information provided by the user.

Websites may be interactive, with automated monitoring, feedback, and support features. Coaching, counseling and social support may be made available through e-mails, chat rooms, or bulletin boards.

Internet-based cessation interventions may be coordinated with additional interventions, such as quitlines or provision of medications.

Summary of Task Force Recommendations & Findings

The Community Preventive Services Task Force finds insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness of Internet-based interventions in increasing tobacco use cessation. Evidence was considered insufficient because the included studies observed inconsistent effects on tobacco cessation, and interpretation of the included studies was complicated by:

  1. Differences in Internet-based content, components, and interactions
  2. The frequent provision of evidence-based interventions to the comparison group
  3. Moderate to high rates of loss to follow-up

Task Force Finding and Rationale Statement

The Task Force recommendation was made in December 2011. It is based on evidence from an earlier review (Civljak et al. 2010) combined with studies identified through an updated search (search period June 2010-August 2011). This review was conducted on behalf of the Task Force by a team of specialists in systematic review methods, and in research, practice and policy related to tobacco use.

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References

Civljak M, Sheikh A, Stead LF, et al. Internet-based interventions for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 9, Art. No.: CD007078. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007078. pub3.

Publications

The findings and results of this systematic review have not been published. Read other Community Guide publications about Tobacco Use in our library. You may also subscribe to be notified as new materials on this topic become available.



Disclaimer

The findings and conclusions on this page are those of the Community Preventive Services Task Force and do not necessarily represent those of CDC.

Sample Citation

The content of publications of the Guide to Community Preventive Services is in the public domain. Citation as to source, however, is appreciated. Sample citation: Guide to Community Preventive Services. Increasing tobacco use cessation: internet-based interventions (abbreviated). http://www.thecommunityguide.org/tobacco/cessation/internet.html. Last updated: MM/DD/YYYY.

Review completed: December 2011